Fluid Connection Block Layout for Modular Valve Passage Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for fluid passage points in LS directional control valve kits for mobile working machines require multiple base bodies with independent fluid supply lines, leading to increased complexity and costs, as each fluid passage point needs a separate base body for control, resulting in inefficient use of resources and logistical challenges.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with a central line and individual line strands connects multiple fluid passage points, using blocking parts like ball expanders to securely shut off unused lines, eliminating the need for additional sealing devices like O-rings, allowing for modular control of fluid flow with a single base body design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple base bodies with independent fluid supply lines are used to control multiple fluid passage points, then each fluid passage point can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and production costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capability of fluid passage pointsVSAvoidnumber of base bodies and fluid supply lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is designed with a universal structure that can control multiple fluid passage points through a single functional component. The central line and individual line strands configuration allows one base body to serve multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate base bodies for each fluid passage point while maintaining independent control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid supply line is segmented into a central line and multiple individual line strands. Each line strand can be independently blocked by blocking elements, allowing selective control of different fluid passage points. This segmentation enables a single base body to manage multiple fluid passages without requiring multiple complete base body assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate base bodies are used for each fluid passage point, then modular control is achieved, but the quantity of components and logistical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of base bodies required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple base bodies are merged into a single base body design. The patent combines the functionality of multiple separate base bodies into one unified structure with a central line and multiple line strands, reducing the total quantity of base bodies from multiple units to a single modular unit that can control all fluid passage points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If blocking elements are inserted into individual line strands to shut off unused connecting lines, then sealing reliability is improved and additional sealing devices are eliminated, but the complexity of line strand configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing connection reliabilityVSAvoidline strand configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted from separate sealing devices (like O-rings) and integrated into the blocking elements themselves. The blocking elements are inserted directly into the line strands and provide both the blocking and sealing functions in one component, eliminating the need for additional sealing devices while maintaining reliable sealing connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances modularity and reduces production costs by enabling control of multiple fluid passage points with a single base body, ensuring reliable sealing and efficient fluid management under high pressures, while simplifying assembly and logistics.

Implementation Method 1

By means of the locking elements, preferably designed in the form of so-called ball expanders, which can be inserted into the respective strands of the unused connecting lines, the respective unused connecting line in the base body can be securely locked

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

ball expanders, which can be inserted into the respective strands of the unused connecting lines, the respective unused connecting line in the base body can be securely locked with the functional component, and with regard to the sealing connection produced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExpansion force:

Data Source

PatentEP3155268B1Connection device
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 HYDAC TECH GMBH
  • EP3155268B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3155268B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting apparatus, provided for fluid-conducting connection to at least one main component (10), which component has a plurality of mutually adjacent fluid passage points (Ρ'1, Ρ'2, P'3, P'n.....P'x), said connecting apparatus having a main body (12), which serves to control a fluid flow by means of at least one functional component (14), such as a valve device; a plurality of further fluid passage points (P1, P2, P3, Pn.....Px), which can be connected to each other in a fluid-conducting manner via the functional component (14) with assignable fluid passage points in the main component (10); and at least one shut-off part, which shuts off the respective fluid passage point (P'2, P'3, P'n.....P'x-1) in the main component (10) and/or in the main body, said fluid passage point remaining unaffected by the functional component (14). Said connecting apparatus is characterised in that there is in each case a fluid-conducting connection line (30, 32) inside the main body (12) between the further fluid passage points (P1, P2, P3, Pn.....Px) and the functional component (14), which fluid-conducting connection line can be shut off by a separate shut-off part, as long as the associated connection to the functional component (14) remains unused.